Bucs will likely select the top QB in May

With the Jaguars’ 29-27 victory over the Titans, the Buccaneers remain the only winless team in the NFL — and therefore will have the No. 1 pick in the 2014 draft.

This probably doesn’t change the makeup of the top of the draft. The Buccaneers, like the Jaguars, will almost certainly draft a QB.

Here are the two they should look at, plus one defensive option:

1. Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon – This possibility of a QB selection doesn’t change whether it’s the Buccaneers or Jaguars at the top. Mike Glennon, a rookie, has played well in stretches for Tampa Bay, but he has yet to establish himself as the team’s future. The Bucs were slotted No. 1 overall prior to the Jaguars’ win and selected a QB in this week edition of the “Absurdly early mock.” Mariota is arguably the best QB prospect in this year’s class, but he’s not a lock to be draft’s top selection. Mariota disappointed some with his performance Thursday against Stanford. There are questions about his game, but his upside is tremendous. The Bucs would be lucky to acquire a talent the caliber of Mariota to be the future of the franchise.

2. Teddy Bridgewater, QB Louisville – Bridgewater and Mariota are 1A and 1B as far as this year’s QB class is concerned. An argument can be made for both as the top player at their position. The Buccaneers could easily select Bridgewater over Mariota. Bridgewater, in particular, may be a better fit for the Bucs due to being a more advanced passer at this stage of his career compared to Mariota. Bridgewater also brings the added bonus of being a native from the state of Florida. The cliche states, “If you don’t have a franchise QB, you don’t pass on one.” The Bucs should have their choice of whichever QB they deem worthy of that discussion.

3. Jadeveon Clowney, DE South Carolina – Conventional wisdom says the team builds around a QB. Both Mariota and Bridgewater are Top 5 talents, but Clowney is the crown jewel of the upcoming class. He’s a rare talent at a premium position. Some have questioned Clowney this season, but he continually affects games. It may be difficult for whomever is coaching Tampa Bay next year to pass on a talent which has often been compared to a young Julius Peppers. It’s not out of the realm of possibility the Bucs pass on a QB for talent the caliber of Clowney.

The Jaguars have the No. 2 selection and will likely swoop in a claim whichever QB the Bucs don’t choose.